In this week’s Storytelling Spotlight, we shine the light on Laura, owner of Royal Photo Booth. Royal Photo Booth, based in New York City, provides its guests photography, entertainment and party favors. However, it’s the story behind the photo booth business that truly captures its clients’ attention.

Q: Why did you start a photo booth business?

Royal Photo Booth (RPB): People always asked me why I started a photo booth business. I always smile whenever I share my story.

My close friend, Tiffany, got married in San Francisco in November 2009. She had a photo booth at her wedding. I gathered all of my friends I hadn’t seen in years and took so many pictures with them. Not only did all of us have a blast taking pictures together in the booth, but I was able to take home a piece of that special day, back home to New York City, and hold the memories in my hand.

One of my special friends in the photos was Felicia, whom I’d known since I was 9 years old. She was 8 years older than I was and I looked up to her like an older sister. She was my style guru and I could ask her about anything I was curious about and get words of wisdom. Felicia passed away in January 2011 and I was devastated. Tiffany’s wedding was the last time I would ever see her. Our photo booth picture, which was our last picture together, is framed in my living room. I’m so happy Tiffany had a photo booth at her wedding because without it I wouldn’t have these preserved memories.

Memories are miracles because they bring us back to those special moments in a flash. We’re able to keep the good alive and carry it with us in our present lives and use as inspiration for the future. While our loved one’s image is forever present in our hearts and mind, a photograph like this can capture a certain smile or expression that elicits such a fun moment shared together. A photograph can make you smile as I did and I’ll treasure it forever. I was so INSPIRED by how a simple photograph from the photo booth could make such a big impact on my life, and the feelings of nostalgia when I looked at it.

In that moment, there was no doubt I needed to start my own photo booth business so I can help others keep their own memories alive and close to their hearts. I wanted to follow my passion of sharing this kind experience with other people. I wanted to provide the same feeling I felt when I was in the photo booth and when I left Tiffany’s wedding photo booth to others in the Tri-State area. Sounds of laughter resonating from the booth from silly poses and then the feeling after I received the pictures, I couldn’t wipe that big bright smile off my face. That feeling was priceless. This is how Royal Photo Booth was created.

Q: How do you weave this story into communications with clients?

RPB: Pictures are meant to capture moments in time. I tell my clients that you want to give guests something they will treasure for years to come. Yes, you can give them a favor that may collect dust or you can give them something that they will have fun creating themselves and they can frame and showcase.

Q: What advice can you give other business owners about leveraging their story with clients?

RPB: Always be real, be yourself and be authentic. People like reading about how people created something that most people only dream about.